First off, before you get excited about shooting, do you have a photo pass for this event?

Celebrity charity concert/event screams of controlled media. Not just any GWC can go in and take pictures. You'll probably need to work out access with either a publication or with the event to get credentials. You should contact the event people and ask if you can even bring your camera. It's one thing to bring in a dinky P&S that you can fit in your back pocket. An SLR with a 70-200mm lens (which is what I'd likely be taking based on what you said the venue is) might draw some scrutiny at the door. Make sure you're clear to walk in with a gripped SLR and a fast telephoto.

As far as a monopod or tripod, I'd say neither. You probably won't be allowed to bring it into the venue in the first place.

In terms of being worried about being robbed, I have no idea, but it's always good to keep your guard up, be aware of surroundings, etc.

I'm THE farthest thing from a real photog. (the more I learn about photography, the more I realize I don't know, dammit!!!). I own the equipment listed below. That said...............

I went to StageCoach last year with all my gear. They let me in no problem. Granted, I was staying in a motorhome just a few minutes walk from the main stage, so if they turned my gear away it woulda been no big deal to make the walk back to drop my stuff off.

I had backstage access (friends) and shot from there with a monopod.

I also had the good fortune to get right up to the stage to shoot. I didn't ask, I just walked in like I belonged there. Right next to the pros. My only regret was not knowing wtf to do with my gear to get the best shots. Live and learn I guess.

My monopod was getting in the way enough as it was. I can only imagine a tripod getting in the way even more so.

Good luck

ROC

Canon 40D/2-kit lenses - EF 28-135 1:3.5-5.6....EF 70-300 1:4-5.6 and a 85 1.8..........No flash, no grip, cheap tripod and cheap mono. I'm new to photography and I'm here to learn as much as I can. First question.............w​hy are a couple of new lenses gonna cost me more than my first car did?:p

Tripods won't be of great use to you at a gig because as soon as you start to push the hand-holding limits you're getting motion blur on the performer's part anyway.

If it's a big gig they may well have a pit up front for photographers and security to work out of; I'd be asking for permission to get into that. I do a lot of gig photography and a tripod/monopod would be a liability for me... something else to get in the way which gives no significant benefit.

Jim G wrote in post #6485653If it's a big gig they may well have a pit up front for photographers and security to work out of; I'd be asking for permission to get into that. I do a lot of gig photography and a tripod/monopod would be a liability for me... something else to get in the way which gives no significant benefit.

I did the gig and that's exactly how it was...I got in the front. I ended up only bringing my monopod and not using it at all. Better that than my tripod tho!

Anyway, thanks for all your insight everyone. I learned my lesson and will probably not bring either next time. . .or just leave my monopod in the car.

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